How stroke affects the brain

How stroke affects the brain

The brain can be considered as a four-part organ, which includes the right and left hemispheres, the cerebellum and the brain stem. A stroke has different effects, depending on which part of the brain is targeted during the attack.

Right hemisphere
Some of the major functions of the right hemisphere include perception and control of the left side of the body. A stroke which affects the right hemisphere can cause many changes, including:

• the inability to judge distances, which can lead to falls or loss of hand-to-eye coordination
• short-term memory loss
• neglecting or ignoring anything situated on the left of the body
• impulsive behaviour
• paralysis of the left side of the body (‘left hemiplegia’).

Left hemisphere
Some of the major functions of the left hemisphere include speech and control of the right side of the body. A stroke affecting the left hemisphere can cause many changes, including:

• paralysis of the right side of the body (‘right hemiplegia’)
• various problems with speech and communication
• short-term memory loss.

Cerebellum
Some of the major functions of the cerebellum include coordination and balance. A stroke affecting the cerebellum can cause many changes, including:

• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of coordination
• a tendency to unbalance and fall
• slurred speech.

Brain stem
Some of the major functions of the brain stem include breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. A stroke that affects the brain stem can cause many changes, including:

• complete paralysis
• coma
• double vision
• swallowing difficulties
• death.